Aunt Sarah Turns 30!!!

August 2012 was off to a great start and kept getting better.  This was the year Aunt Sarah was turning the BIG 30, and we decided to head to a cabin in West Virginia to celebrate.

On Thursday, August 9th, Meemaw, Grandpa, Aunt Sarah, Wrigley, L'ie Bear and I loaded up two cars and headed out for the 4.5 hour drive to Hico, West Virginia.  It was the perfect place...

We immediately unpacked the cars, settled in and then headed into Fayetteville, West Virginia for some dinner.  Meemaw and Grandpa showed us a pizza place, Pies & Pints, where they enjoyed good food during a past trip. (The restaurant was featured on Food Network at one point)  Once we got there, we were not disappointed.  We devoured pulled pork nachos, some amazing pizzas and the Bear even got to enjoy a few trips down a slide in the playground area.

Once we got back to the cabin, it was straight to bed, because we had a big day planned on Friday.  Grandpa was babysitting L'ie all day and Meemaw, Aunt Sarah, and I were heading out to go....

WHITE WATER RAFTING!!!!

After a long day, we headed back to the cabin to see how Grandpa and L'ie Bear were doing, and we quickly discovered that they went to "The Bubbly Rush", a local Water Park...on the side porch.  Basically, between eating, knee walking/walking, swinging on the porch swing, playing and napping, the Bear enjoyed some time in the jacuzzi.  And she LOVED it!!  And I loved it because she was exhausted from all of the fun.

Chad arrived Friday evening, after work, and we spent some time playing Apples to Apples.

The next morning, L'ie Bear helped make breakfast and enjoyed her first taste of coffee cake batter.  Growing up, it was always a treat to get to lick the mixer beaters and I am happy to pass along that tradition to the Bear.                                        
                

  
                           







After breakfast, we packed up some coolers, hit the road and headed to Summerville Lake, where Meemaw and Grandpa rented a boat and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on the water.  There were no homes on the lake, but there were very nice beaches and awesome stone cliffs.

While Grandpa piloted the boat, L'ie evoked an "I'm Queen of the world" moment, by spending most of her time peeking out the front of the boat.  She loved the waves and watching other boats going past us.

                            Navigating through the lake with Grandpa

Enjoying the cliffs

I think she likes it

Such a cute little boater!

After a hour or so, we dropped anchor and enjoyed some snacks.

Boats snacks!!

Trying to catch the attention of an aloof duck.

Finally, it was time to head back to the marina.  The temperature quickly dropped, so while Chad piloted the boat home, we all covered up under sweatshirts and towels and a very thirsty L'ie Bear devoured a bottle of milk.

It was a perfect day on the water, and the day wasn't over yet.  We headed home, gave L'ie a bath and put her down for bed.  Then the grown-ups had a delicious steak dinner and headed out to the backyard for a campfire...complete with Smores!!

The next day was Sunday, and we were all very sad that our weekend was coming to an end.  We had breakfast, packed up the cars and in true Pali fashion, we posed for some last photos!

Later that evening, in Fairfax, we went out for one last celebration meal at The Lost Dog Cafe and then came back to our place for German Chocolate Cake.  

The Lost Dog Cafe

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The firetruck was there in case there was a problem 

with ALL of those candles.

  

Make a wish

L'ie Bear's first taste of German Chocolate Cake

It was a weekend we will not forget and a great way to welcome Aunt Sarah into her 30's...a decade that is sure to be amazing and filled with many more adventures!!  Happy Birthday Aunt Sarah!!